INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Availability and Types of Pressure Ulcer Medications at Community Pharmacies in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana

Grace Lovia Allotey-Babington

University of Ghana

Irene Akwo Kretchy

University of Ghana

Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye

University of Ghana

Maame Kyiafi Opong-Beniako

University of Ghana

Obed Kufoalor

University of Ghana

Gilnel Adjei Adjetey

University of Ghana

Michael Agyapong Mintah

University of Ghana

Henry Nettey

University of Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v15i3.6197

Keywords: Pressure Ulcer, Hydrophilic-based dressings, Hydrophobic-based dressings

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Abstract

Pressure ulcers (PU) arise from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissue due to pathological changes in blood flow. They usually develop in people who are immobilized due to certain medical conditions. The incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardio-vascular diseases are on the ascendency. These conditions, if not managed adequately could render patients incapacitated, leaving them bedridden for long periods. The chances of these individuals developing PU are very high. Currently in Ghana, information on medications for the management of various stages of PU are not readily available. Prevention of PU has been the goal of nursing care, however, in the case where preventive care is not successful, there should be effective and efficient medications for the management of the PU.

 Method: The study was cross-sectional. A stratified sampling approach was used to select pharmacies from each town within the ten districts of the Accra Metropolis. Respondents enrolled into the study were Pharmacists working at the selected pharmacies. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results: 241 pharmacies were visited, out of which 192 respondents took part in the study. Approximately 83.3% of these pharmacies had pressure ulcer medications. Patronage of PU medications in the Accra metropolis is average, however, the medications listed by respondents had other indications other than PU. There were a lot more hydrophobic based dressings than hydrophilic-based dressings.

Conclusion: There are pressure ulcer medications available in pharmacies within the Accra metropolis of Ghana. Although the medications are averagely patronized, there are not many types available. Hydrophilic based dressings were not readily available.

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Author Biographies

Grace Lovia Allotey-Babington, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology

Irene Akwo Kretchy, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy

Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Maame Kyiafi Opong-Beniako, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology

Obed Kufoalor, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology

Gilnel Adjei Adjetey, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology

Michael Agyapong Mintah, University of Ghana

Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology